As the chapter of 2021 is coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the highs and lows of the year, the progress and the setbacks. Like every year, this one has brought me my fair share of life lessons, experiences and personal growth. We’re all faced with encounters and circumstances that challenge and hopefully make us better. Over the years, I've learned to pay attention and look a little more closely at these adversities. They're where the real magic happens- regardless of whether we like the outcome or not, growth happens.
+ Never burn bridges. Take the high road— even when you’re right. Some days, I HATE this rule. When you feel taken advantage of or disrespected by someone, all you want to do is tell them to stick it. To put them in their place. At the end of the day, you end losing more than you gain. When it comes to relationships (especially in business), you never know who you’ll encounter again down the line or who knows who. It’s better to stay on good terms with people and at the end of the day, is a reflection of you. You don’t have to kiss their ass, but it’s good to keep things cordial.
+ Maintain your self respect. I’m all for keeping those bridges, however it should never be at the expense of your self respect or mental well being. Some people don’t deserve all of your time and attention. If they can’t respect you for who you are or what’s important to you, they don’t deserve to have full access to you. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to burn a bridge or be ugly, but you owe it to yourself to take care of you first.
+ Maintain your self respect. I’m all for keeping those bridges, however it should never be at the expense of your self respect or mental well being. Some people don’t deserve all of your time and attention. If they can’t respect you for who you are or what’s important to you, they don’t deserve to have full access to you. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to burn a bridge or be ugly, but you owe it to yourself to take care of you first.
+ Prioritize your health.
+ When one door closes, another one opens. Cliche, but so true. I think we’re often hesitant for change. The unknown is scary, less comfortable. Sometimes you’re thrown a curveball or roadblock that you have to dodge. It makes you feel uneasy and nervous. What’s going to happen? How do I deal with this? In my experience, it always works out in the end. You’ll agonize or worry over it, and then it will work itself out. Even better, these setbacks often lead you to a better destination you wouldn’t have ever considered or dreamed of. I’m a big believer in divine intervention and silver linings.
+ Expecting others to do as you do or be as you are usually leads to disappointment. I’ve learned to accept this, but I still have a hard time dealing with it from time to time. There are no perfect people, including myself. Despite that, I think most of us have our own moral compass of what we consider to be “acceptable” or “unacceptable” behavior from others. A lot of the times we expect people to behave in a particular way or do something that we would. When they don’t, it often leaves you feeling hurt or disappointed. Like you care or respect them more than they do you. It leaves you feeling less than. It can also be a shock, because most of the things you consider to be “obvious” are engrained in who you are. They’re a given. When someone doesn’t align with that, it feels disarming. The kicker is you have no control or say over them— you can only control yourself. No one else is obligated to do anything for you either, just as you aren't for them. That doesn't always make it easier, but learning to accept things at face value for what they are saves you from constantly feeling disappointed.
+ When one door closes, another one opens. Cliche, but so true. I think we’re often hesitant for change. The unknown is scary, less comfortable. Sometimes you’re thrown a curveball or roadblock that you have to dodge. It makes you feel uneasy and nervous. What’s going to happen? How do I deal with this? In my experience, it always works out in the end. You’ll agonize or worry over it, and then it will work itself out. Even better, these setbacks often lead you to a better destination you wouldn’t have ever considered or dreamed of. I’m a big believer in divine intervention and silver linings.
+ Expecting others to do as you do or be as you are usually leads to disappointment. I’ve learned to accept this, but I still have a hard time dealing with it from time to time. There are no perfect people, including myself. Despite that, I think most of us have our own moral compass of what we consider to be “acceptable” or “unacceptable” behavior from others. A lot of the times we expect people to behave in a particular way or do something that we would. When they don’t, it often leaves you feeling hurt or disappointed. Like you care or respect them more than they do you. It leaves you feeling less than. It can also be a shock, because most of the things you consider to be “obvious” are engrained in who you are. They’re a given. When someone doesn’t align with that, it feels disarming. The kicker is you have no control or say over them— you can only control yourself. No one else is obligated to do anything for you either, just as you aren't for them. That doesn't always make it easier, but learning to accept things at face value for what they are saves you from constantly feeling disappointed.
+ Consistency builds confidence. If you're afraid to start something because it isn't the right time, you don't know where to begin or you're afraid it won't be "good enough," do it anyways. Everyone feels this way at some point. You'll figure it out as you go- it's part of the process. It also feels way better to try imperfectly than not try at all.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about people-- including myself. Here is to closing the books on this year and starting an even better 2022 full of health, wealth and happiness! Happy New Year!
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